About this Unit
USS Tennessee (SSBN-734) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine commissioned into the United States Navy on December 17, 1988. As the lead ship of the "Trident II" subclass, she was the first submarine designed to carry the advanced Trident D5 ballistic missile. Homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, USS Tennessee conducts strategic deterrence patrols as a critical component of the U.S. nuclear triad. Over her decades of service, she has earned multiple awards for operational excellence and remains an integral asset in maintaining national security.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Legacy: USS Tennessee (SSBN-734) is the fourth U.S. Navy ship named after the state of Tennessee, continuing a tradition that dates back to the early 19th century.
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First Trident II Submarine: She was the first submarine to be equipped and deployed with the Trident II D5 ballistic missile, marking a significant technological leap in U.S. strategic deterrence.
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Launch and Commissioning: Tennessee was launched on December 13, 1986, by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut, and commissioned on December 17, 1988.
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Homeport: Her homeport is Kings Bay, Georgia, which is one of only two bases for the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet ballistic missile submarines.
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Blue and Gold Crews: Like all U.S. ballistic missile submarines, Tennessee operates with two crews, Blue and Gold, to maximize operational availability and readiness.
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Stealth and Endurance: As an Ohio-class submarine, Tennessee can remain submerged for months at a time, limited only by food supplies and crew endurance, making her an essential part of the U.S. nuclear triad.
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Submarine Force Learning Site: Tennessee has often served as a platform for training new submariners, helping to develop the next generation of submarine officers and crew.
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Symbolic Crest: The ship’s crest includes the state flag of Tennessee and a trident, symbolizing her namesake and her mission as part of America’s sea-based nuclear deterrent.
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Public Recognition: In 2008, Tennessee received the Omaha Trophy for outstanding performance in strategic deterrence operations, a prestigious award from U.S. Strategic Command.
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Notable Milestone: In 2019, USS Tennessee completed her 100th strategic deterrent patrol, reflecting decades of silent service beneath the seas in defense of the United States.
